All events

Glossary

AttackerA player positioned at the offensive end of the pitch for a team; also known as a “forward”.

Back-lineThe line marking the end of the pitch and including the goal-line between the goal posts.

BullyA method of restarting play following a stoppage not caused by a breach. Two players face each other, tap their sticks on the ground and together before contesting the ball.

Centre lineThe line across the pitch that divides it in half.

Centre markThe mark in the centre of the field played in any direction to start a half or following a goal.

CircleShort for the “striking circle”, “goal circle” or “shooting circle”, a D-shaped area in front of each goal that an attacking player must enter to score a goal. An attacker must take a shot from inside (not outside) the circle to score a goal. A goalkeeper is permitted to use any part of the body to stop the ball while inside the circle.

Corner hitCorner hit: Taken five metres from the corner flag after the ball is hit unintentionally by the defending team across the back-line. Also known as a “long corner”.

DefenderA player positioned at the defensive end of the pitch for a team; also known as a "fullback".

DribbleTo move while controlling the ball with the stick.

Field goalA goal scored from open, continuous play.

Field playersThe 10 players on the field besides the goalkeeper.

FlickTo push the ball with the stick and raise it into the air: also called “scoop” when the ball is raised high in the air.

ForwardA player positioned at the offensive end of the pitch for a team; also known as an “attacker”.

Free hitA passing opportunity awarded to a player for any offence by the opposition outside the circle.

FullbackA player positioned at the defensive end of the pitch for a team; also known as a “defender”.

Goal circleA D-shaped area in front of the goal where a goalkeeper is allowed to use any part of the body to stop the ball; also called the "striking circle", the "circle" and the "shooting circle".

GoalkeeperThe player on each team who defends the goal.

Goal-lineThe back-line between the goal posts.

Golden goalA sudden-death method of resolving a tied match where the first goal scored during two 15 minute periods of extra time decides the match.

Green cardA card signifying the umpire is warning a player about a specific act committed.

HalfbackA player positioned generally around the middle of the field for a team; also known as a “midfielder”.

HitTo strike the ball with a swinging motion of the stick.

Hit-inA free hit from the sideline after the ball has gone out of play over the line. It is taken by the team which was not last to touch the ball.

KickerA protective device worn by a goalkeeper and fastened over the front and sides of the shoe to allow him or her to kick the ball.

Long cornerThe common name for a “corner hit”.

MatchA single game lasting for two periods or “half’s” each of 35 minutes duration.

MidfielderA player positioned generally around the middle of the field for a team; also known as a “halfback”.

ObstructionThe offence of using the body or stick to shield or hinder another player from hitting the ball, or of physically interfering with an opposing player.

Pass backThe opening pass of a half or following a goal, from a centre to a team-mate behind him or her; also called "push back".

Penalty cornerA free hit awarded to a team ten metres from the nearest goalpost, allowing a player to pass the ball to a team-mate just outside the goal circle for a shot; also called a “short corner”.

Penalty strokeA free shot awarded to a player from a spot 6.4 metres from the goal, with only the goalkeeper allowed to stop it.

PushTo move the ball along the ground with the stick after the stick has been placed close to the ball.

Push backThe opening pass of a half or following a goal, from a centre to a team-mate behind him or her; also called a “centre pass” or “pass back”.

Red cardA card shown by the umpire to suspend a player permanently.

ScoopTo push the ball with the stick and raise it into the air.

Shooting circleAlso called the “goal circle”, the “striking circle” and the “circle” (see “circle” in this glossary).

Shot at goalThe action of an attacker attempting to score by playing the ball towards the goal from within the circle.

SidelineA side boundary on a hockey field.

Stricking circleAlso called the “goal circle”, the “shooting circle” and the “circle” (see “circle” in this glossary).

Striking circleA D-shaped area in front of each goal, which an attacking player must enter before shooting a goal; also known as the "circle", "goal circle" and "shooting circle".

SubstituteA player who replaces a team-mate on the pitch. Substitutions can take place any number of times and at any point in the match except when a penalty corner is being taken.

TackleTo attempt to steal the ball from a player of the opposing team.

TeamThe eleven players taking part in a match on the pitch (10 field players and a goalkeeper) together with up to five substitutes.

UmpiresThe two officials on the pitch who control a match.

Yellow cardA card signifying the umpire has suspended a player.

Yellow cardA card signifying the umpire has suspended a player. The umpire usually indicates the length of suspension.